Bulldogs sweep Hawks in 4A IEL opener

RATHDRUM — Fresh off a strong second place showing at the Lakeland Invite, the Sandpoint volleyball team continued to click in a 4A Inland Empire League opening 25-20, 25-12, 25-19 sweep of the Hawks on Thursday night at Lakeland High School.

Katy Ryan had eight kills and three blocks for the Hawks, and Abbey Neff had 16 assists for Lakeland (12-5, 1-1 4A IEL), which beat Moscow in its league opener.

The Bulldogs (8-5, 1-0 4A IEL) host Post Falls next Tuesday.

No report was received from Sandpoint.

n Kiebert rips 13 kills to lead Wampus Cats in sweep

PLUMMER — Junior Ellie Kiebert hit double figures once again with a match-high 13 kills to go with two aces, leading the Wampus Cats to a 25-15, 25-18, 25-12 win over the Lakeside Knights in North Star League volleyball Thursday night at Ron Miller Court.

Setting the attack was Brooke Stevens, who finished with 28 set assists, while Tessa Sutton added seven kills and two aces, Hailey Bristol six digs and Sophie McMahon and Ali Sutton combined for nine kills to lead the Wampus Cats (6-4, 2-0 NSL).

Ali Sutton went on a nine point service run after Cats head coach Cindy Derr called a time out after feeling her team was sluggish early in the match. Derr praised the play of Ellie Lambert getting to short balls and feeding the setter effectively, and the defense of Aleehia Valliere in the back row.

“Our service receive was really good tonight with only four errors,” praised Derr, whose team finally settles into league play after playing up to start the season. “The entire team stepped up and did a great job tonight.”

Kria Peters had 12 assists to lead Lakeside (1-3, 0-2 NSL) never threatened in any set.

“Clark Fork has some size and hit the ball really well,” Lakeside coach Brad Veile said. “They do a lot of movement and put you off balance.”

The two teams will face off again Saturday in Clark Fork, with the JV match starting at 1 p.m. and varsity following at 2:30 p.m.

n Bulldogs shine at Lakeland Invite

Sandpoint swept Priest River and host Lakeland in straight sets, before falling to Lewiston 25-24, 21-25, 21-19 in a tight final last weekend at the Lakeland Invite. Bulldog head coach Jeff Hurst called the final an incredible match.

“The kids played some of the best volleyball I have seen in a while, super consistent. Everyone contributed both offensively and defensively. It was a show for sure,” said Hurst. “The kids are playing at a really high level and we are continuing to raise our level of play every day in practice. This is group is particularly coachable, they are hungry. I introduce something new and important and the next night in practice I see them implementing it at various levels. If we can keep doing that we will be tough to beat.”